Life

Kirstin Nicholson. After an SOS from the Leitchville Bowling Club to save their bowls club, the community came out in force to try their hands at barefoot bowling on Wednesday, November 17. President, Tony Cantwell, said they hoped to give a taste of bowling to people who had not tried it before and hopefully attract new members to the club.

A special morning tea event at Sunshine Coast Council’s Nambour and Heritage Library has celebrated the venue’s contemporary and vibrant new look. Division 10 and Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the Nambour and Heritage Libraries formed an integral part of our hinterland community, with more than 87,000 people coming through their doors during the past 12 months.

Recent research by a team at Charles Sturt University aims to help develop a robust research framework for regional New South Wales to help improve the control strategy for COVID-19 at the regional level in NSW. It can also assist other infectious disease epidemics.

We asked the 18 candidates running for Richmond Valley Council about the rental housing shortage in our region? There is no simple answer to this nationwide issue, read what your councillors of the future say. We asked: What can council do to alleviate the shortage of rentals in our LGA?

Two years ago, bushfire ravaged Bungawalbin land. Property owner Jimmy Malecki had to flee his home known as  The Bog  on the day the fire tore through the tall trees. The film maker is documenting the recovery from the bushfire which includes regular visits from the Envite team. Envite coordinator Maree Thompson said they were working with Landcare groups and about 10 private landowners and working on seven National Park reserves.

Story Dogs is a reading support program where selected children read to an accredited dog and its handler ... Rusty and his handler Kathy are the Clarence Valleys first Story Dog team. They visit Gillwinga Public School in South Grafton each week to listen one on one to a pre-selected group of children who benefit from Rusty’s calm and relaxed manner.  

Regional Queenslanders will soon benefit from improved air service frequencies between Charleville, Roma, and Brisbane and coach services with stronger route connections following the signing of new regional transport service contracts starting in December and January.

Greg Westcott. More than 40 years on from the demolition of the historic Portland Roads jetty, the community is divided by persistent lobbying by a minority of local property owners for the construction of a rock wall and boat ramp that, when completed, will extend out from “the point” about 190 metres into deep water.

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Environment and Community Committee Chair Cr James O’Shea said after a difficult two years, the festive spirit was well and truly here with Council thrilled to be involved in the CBD’s Christmas celebrations, giving everyone something to enjoy this Christmas season.

Walgett Shire Council, News, 18 November 2021

A petition with more than 700 signatures was presented to Barkly Regional Council yesterday in a bid to improve animal welfare services in town camps. Local resident Peter Cain said the initiative came after citizens became concerned that the Animal Management Services were provided in town but not local Community Living Areas (CLA).

Gabrielle Duykers. A dead tree outside Lucindale has been transformed into a bright blue beacon which local suicide prevention advocates hope will help spark conversations around mental health ... While the Blue Tree Project has seen 36 blue trees pop up around South Australia, the Lucindale addition is the first to feature in the Limestone Coast.  

Annabel Harz’s new book, 'Journey into the Shadow and Sunshine', is being launched at the Book Wolf on Friday 26 November at 6pm ... Her art and poetry are a blend of works from adolescent through to adulthood and are a powerful portrayal of the depths of depression and despair that many are able to relate to.

Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to announce the official virtual opening of the new Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) building on Friday 19 November at 7.00pm. The virtual opening will be available online for everyone to view and will feature some very special guests and presenters.

Kirstin Nicholson. As the Cohuna Golf Club prepares for the Stuart Appleby Pro-Am next week, we talked with home grown hero, Stuart Appleby, about his journey from local Cohuna lad to household name and international golfing legend. It was when his parents took up golf that Stuart Appleby was introduced to the game. As a 14-year-old, he played cricket and football, but it was golf that caught his eye and stole his heart.

Farmers who have been through a bushfire are wanted for a research project looking to gain a better understanding of the psychological impacts of bushfires and the support that farmers want in the aftermath. The lead researcher, Dr Kate Gunn, Senior Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist from the University of South Australia, herself grew up on a farm near Streaky Bay in South Australia.

In a village known for its 1930s hoop pines, it was a sorry sight to see one of its tallest beauties felled this morning. The tree towered above the lavender canopy of the jacaranda nestled below its branches at the Bonalbo Tourist Park ... Marion moved to Bonalbo because she “fell in love with the hoop pines.”

For 2789 days, BlazeAid volunteers have been helping fix fences on rural properties destroyed in the bushfires. BlazeAid camp coordinator Ron “Spud” Murphy said most of the volunteers are ‘grey nomads’ ... BlazeAid came to Richmond Valley in November 2019 after the bushfires.

The City of Kwinana is set to light up its City square with its annual Christmas celebration on 26 November in the heart of Kwinana City Centre. The community is invited to celebrate the start of the Christmas season and come down to Chisham Square from 4pm to participate in the free activities on offer.

‘There are so many stories to tell of my life, and sometimes I think they are not of importance, but they are, because often it is the little details that are the most important. I still remember every detail. [Like] Oodnadatta Country – I can still see it, in my mind’s eye, exactly as it was back in my time. The Country still calls me back to where I was born, a very exposed and stony land, but I still love it. That’s where my spirit is’: Kanakiya Myra Ah Chee.

Greater Shepparton City Council has received several reports of turtles exploring local lakes and wetlands, with the rainy conditions triggering turtles to look for safe sites to lay their eggs.